BMX track for
Barrowcliff

Gallows Close play area is set for a re-vamp with ambitious plans for a BMX track and new play equipment. Picture by Dave Kettlewell. 113822

Published:12:14Thursday 22 September 2011

YOUNGSTERS in Barrowcliff will help build their new BMX track it has been revealed.

The plan for the facility, which will be on land at Gallow’s Close Park and include extra lighting and a CCTV camera, has been approved by councillors.

Gallows Close play area is set for a re-vamp with ambitious plans for a BMX track and new play equipment. Picture by Dave Kettlewell. 113822'20/09/11

Planning officers at Scarborough Council had recommended that permission for the scheme be granted subject to a number of conditions.

In a statement, which was read out to members of the council’s planning committee, Cllr Steve Bairstow said the track would also benefit residents from Newby and Scalby. He added: “We need this facility for young people so that they can enjoy respect and have fun.”

Tom Mutton, of Groundwork North Yorkshire, said the scheme had been identified as a “top priority” for the young people of Barrowcliff.

He added: “Young people are going to help build the track – they will get their hands dirty and get stuck in.”

Mr Mutton said that the CCTV coverage, together with help from the police, would help monitor the area. He added: “This will make sure it doesn’t become a focus for antisocial behaviour.”

Cllr Bill Chatt said that young people in the area had asked for a BMX track. He added: “The people of Barrowcliff are actually for this but there is a petition against it which I am aware of.”

The council received several letters of objection, including a 72 signature petition, and concerns included: problems with litter, noise, loss of privacy and an increase in crime.

Cllr Colin Haddington said that youngsters often complained that they had nothing to do and once again they were being linked with an increase in crime before anything had been done.

He added: “I welcome it and propose we go with the recommendation.”

Cllr Brian Watson said: “Young people making noise – there’s no doubt about that it’s in their nature to make noise.

“I don’t put a lot of store behind a petition, anybody can sign a petition, I think letters represent things that we need to take notice of because somebody has bothered to sit down and write a letter.”

Cllr Amanda Robinson said that she was concerned that a neighbouring cycle path was not wide enough particularly if more youngsters would be using it at busy times. She said: “If the path was wider it might help that. I’d hate for it to become a problem there.”

And Cllr Martin Smith supported the fact that the youngsters who will eventually use the facility were prepared top help build it. He said: “These youngsters need to be commended rather than chastised. They want to get their hands dirty. I think it’s rather sad that people want to make these comments.”